Legislation that would subject trade restrictions made by the president or executive branch — such as tariffs, duties, and quotas — to Congressional approval, was introduced by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH).
The bill, the Global Trade Accountability Act (H.R. 5281), comes weeks after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
“As someone who experienced and endured the harmful effects of bad trade policy firsthand under the Obama administration, I believe it’s time for Congress to work successfully with President Trump to restore power to the American people. Given the substantial impact of trade on job creators in Ohio and around the world, Congress must restore its constitutional obligations,” Davidson said.
The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Trent Kelly (R-MS), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mark Sanford (R-SC), and Glenn Thompson (R-PA).
Davidson said constitution gives Congress the responsibility of regulating commerce, as well as laying taxes and duties, with foreign nations. This bill would restore Congress’s ability to do that, he said.
The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Rules for further review.
A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT).